Borislav ‘Zombee’ Nikolic Joins UFC: A New Chapter for the Serbian Sensation

The MMA world is buzzing as Serbian superstar Borislav ‘Zombee’ Nikolic officially turns the page on one of the most dominant chapters of his career. In a move that signals his readiness for the global stage, Nikolic has relinquished his BRAVE CF bantamweight world title to embark on an exhilarating new journey with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

The Legacy of ‘Zombee’ in BRAVE CF

Since making his debut with BRAVE Combat Federation in 2021, Borislav Nikolic has been nothing short of a force of nature. With a record of six victories across eight appearances, he consistently dismantled elite international competition, proving that his skill set was far beyond the regional level.

Nikolic’s ascent to the top was marked by two iconic moments that cemented his name in MMA history:

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• The Coronation: At BRAVE CF 96 in June 2025, Nikolic captured the bantamweight crown in spectacular fashion, securing a fourth-round ninja choke victory over Nicholas ‘The Saint’ Hwende.
• The Dominance: He proved his championship mettle at the historic BRAVE 100 event, defending his title with a devastating fourth-round technical knockout (TKO) against Hamza ‘The Pride of Bahrain’ Kooheji.

His final outing for the promotion took place this February at BRAVE CF 104, where he once again showcased his finishing instincts by stopping Matheus Malta in a 64kg catchweight clash.

Mutual Respect and Heartfelt Farewells

The departure of such a high-caliber athlete is always bittersweet. BRAVE CF President Mohammed Shahid expressed immense pride in Nikolic’s growth, stating that the fighter represented the promotion with honour and bravery.

“Borislav’s story is one that everyone at BRAVE Combat Federation is immensely proud of. He embraced every challenge, became a world champion, and represented our promotion with honour throughout his time here,” said Shahid.

Nikolic echoed these sentiments, expressing deep gratitude for the platform that allowed him to evolve into a world-class competitor. “Winning the bantamweight world title is something I will always cherish,” Nikolic shared, noting that BRAVE CF will always hold a special place in his heart.

BRAVE CF: The Ultimate Launchpad

Nikolic’s transition to the UFC is not an isolated case; it is part of a larger trend. BRAVE CF has established itself as a premier scouting ground for the world’s best talent. Borislav joins an elite alumni list of fighters who used the promotion as a springboard to international stardom, including:

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• Ilia ‘El Matador’ Topuria
• Khamzat ‘Borz’ Chimaev
• Benoit ‘God of War’ Saint Denis
• Brad ‘Superman’ Katona

As Borislav Nikolic steps into the Octagon, fans can expect the same relentless pressure and finishing ability that made him a king in BRAVE CF. The UFC bantamweight division just got a lot more dangerous.